In his book Balraj, the author Manoj Jain has remained true to his promise of it being a faithful recounting of events that took place in essence and spirit. The book records the author’s overview of Balraj and he characteristically builds Balraj up throughout the story, with personal narratives and associating him to his surroundings and it blends well together.
The book emphasises one of the most fundamental questions one must face in life. It introduces Inder, a 47-year-old man, who suspends his lifestyle, everything he knows and loves and begins to walk towards; aspiring for a greater purpose in life.
The premise of the story introduces Inder as stern, successful, and conventional. And then, the series of events build up as to how he will encompass more meaning in his life that transcends the usual, conventional, and typical of him. The plot will probe its readers to look within themselves, and in many ways, and we may look for a Balraj inside our Inder. The personification of one’s alter-ego is the central theme of the narrative and Balraj is how Inder transacts with himself.
Tuesday, 26 January 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
